STEVE BRUCE says Manchester United’s hard-fought midweek win in Spain could play into Sunderland’s hands – but only if the Black Cats have their own game right tomorrow.

The Red Devils beat Valencia 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but were given a real test by the La Liga leaders.

Bruce reckons if ever there is a good time to meet Manchester United it is on home ground after Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have had a tough midweek away game in the Champions League.

Another factor in Sunderland’s favour is the fact the visitors are expected to be without the injured Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Strike Wayne Rooney has also been ruled out by Ferguson – but Bruce is not convinced on that one.

Bruce said: “Giggs and Scholes are football greats, while Rooney can destroy any side on his day, so it would be a bonus for us if those three do not play.

“As for Rooney – all this talk that is he out for three weeks – I don't know whether Sir Alex is playing one of his mind games!

“However, the main thing for me is the fact Manchester United had a midweek Champions League game in Spain.

“A trip abroad and a game in a competition like that is always demanding, and it will be a real test for them in terms of being at their best for our game.

“I have always said when you have been away in Europe and then you are away at the weekend in the Premier League it is very tough.

“Even when you are Manchester United, it is going to stretch you.

“So we have to ask questions of them. We have to play intelligently this weekend and make sure we test them.”

Sunderland’s intensity and workrate have been big factors in them taking points off the top sides they have faced so far – and Bruce is looking for a repeat tomorrow.

He added: “One of the great things about the side we have here is that it has at last a lot of pace in it and, on top of that, our workrate has been phenomenal in most games this season.

“Against Liverpool, we had six players who ran more than 11km. There are few teams who could match that.

“While running is not the be-all and end-all – you have to play football as well – it does indicate just how much closing down you are doing, or how much support and options you are giving your team-mates and how fast you are getting back to defend or attack.

“If you have that many players covering that much ground, you are limiting your opponent’s options and at the same time you are increasing your own.

“If we can get the tempo and intensity right tomorrow, I can guarantee we will be in this game.”